I mean, not to be a downer here, but isn't barbers suppose to be hairstylist's and not doctors? I mean they should be specialize in hair cutting and styling, the barbershop should be name "Doctors office" Instead, but that's just an opinion here.
Won't go into too much historical detail here, but barbers used to also be surgeons. That pole with the red spiral... it represents blood. Also, watch Sweeny Todd.